Daily news: 30 November 2012

On Friday, 30 November from 18:30—20:00, WMO held a Side Event titled ‘Climate services for sustainable climate-resilient development’, at COP 18. The objective of the event was to the COP 18 delegates about how the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) can support national and regional efforts to adapt to the impacts of climate variability and climate change on public health, disaster risk, water resources, food security and other sectors. The event was moderated by Mr Michael Williams and speakers were, Mr M. Jarraud, Secretary General of WMO, Mr Arvin Gadgil, Secretary of State of Norway, plus other speakers from UNESCO/IOC, ISDR, FAO, IFAD and WFP. The Event delivered the following key messages:

Key messages

The scientific understanding of the climate system has advanced to the stage where it is now possible to provide operational climate services.

The GFCS is a partnership amongst governments and will support them in delivering and using climate services.

The GFCS is driven by user needs. Users have a critical role in defining the services that are provided.

The GFCS is an excellent investment that will more than pay for itself by reducing the costs of climate impacts and promoting sustainable development.

The success of the GFCS will depend on fully engaging governments, the United Nations system and other partners in delivering services and building the capacity of users.